As you all know, recently I have returned to the publishing world (YAY) and my story The Trouble with French Kisses has been getting some great feedback! Well, now it's my publishers turn to get some great promo! Check out this link! http://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/en/Library/Highlights-from-around-the-globe/Independent-publisher-launches-Irelands-first-digital-platform/
Remember, The Trouble with French Kisses is available in e-format! Find it at B&N, for the Nook, Amazon for the Kindle and don't forget to check me out on Smashword!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentines Day!
I’m a diehard romantic and thought I’d
blog a little bit about the traditions of this day with all of my readers…
Saint Valentine's Day, often simply
Valentine's Day is an observed
on February 14 honoring one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentinus. It
was first established by Pop Gelasius in 496 AD, but was later removed from the
Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI. It is celebrated in countries around the world, mostly in western countries.
Valentine’s Day was first associated with Romantic Love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the Middle Ages when the tradition of “Courtly Love” flourished. By the 15th century, it
had evolved into an occasion in which lovers were able to expressed their love
for each other by presenting flowers, offering sweets and sending cards.
Although celebrated worldwide, each country has its own little twist that makes each celebration unique to the region. Here are just a few traditions in some countries I found that I thought
I’d share with you.
While sending cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts is traditional in the UK,
Valentine's Day has various regional customs. In Norfolk England, a character
called 'Jack' Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and
presents for children. Although he was leaving treats, many children were
scared of this mystical person. In Wales, many people celebrate Dydd Santes
Dwynwen (St Dwynwen's Day) on January 25 instead of (or as well as)
Valentine's Day. The day commemorates St. Dwynwen, the patron saint of Welsh
lovers.
In France, a traditionally Catholic country, Valentine's Day is known simply as "Saint Valentin” and is celebrated in much the same way as other western countries.
In Spain Valentine's Day is known as “ San Valentin” and is celebrated the same way as in the UK, although in Catalonia it is largely superseded by similar festivities of rose
and/or book giving on Saint George's Day.
In Portugal it is more commonly referred to as "Dia dos Namorados" (Lover's Day /
Day of those that are in love with each other).
In Denmark and Norway, although February 14 is known as Valentinsdag,
it is not celebrated to a large extent, but is largely imported from American
culture, and some people take time to eat a romantic dinner with their partner,
to send a card to a secret love or give a red rose to their loved one. The
cut-flower industry in particular is still working on promoting the holiday.
In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag ("All Hearts' Day") and was launched in the 1960s by the flower industry's commercial interests, and due to the influence of American culture.
It is not an official holiday, but its celebration is recognized and sales of
cosmetics and flowers for this holiday are only exceeded by those for Mother's
Day.
In Finland Valentine's Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into
"Friend's day". As the name indicates, this day is more about
remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones.
In the country of Slovenia, St Valentine or Zdravko was one of the saints of spring, the saint
of good health and the patron of beekeepers and pilgrims. A proverb says that
"St Valentine brings the keys of roots". Plants and flowers start to
grow on this day. It has been celebrated as the day when the first work in the
vineyards and in the fields commences. It is also said that birds propose to
each other or marry on that day. Another proverb says "Valentin – prvi
spomladin" ("Valentine — the first spring saint"), as in some places (especially White Carniola),
Saint Valentine marks the beginning of spring. Valentine's Day has only
recently been celebrated as the day of love. The day of love was traditionally
March 12, the St. Gregory’s day, or February 22, St. Vincent’s Day The patron of love was St. Anthony, whose day has been celebrated on 13 June.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Questions!
I had a friend who doesn’t write
quiz me the other day about my writing process and other things, thought I’d go
ahead and do a kinda Q&A blog…please feel free to post questions and I’ll
do my best to answer…let’s have some fun!
So how do you get into the groove
to write?
Someone asked me that question
the other day and I can honestly say I didn’t have a ready answer for them. In
truth, I don’t write unless I have a scene to tell, or my characters are
yammering at me. Thankfully, this never seems to be an issue, as my characters
normally choose the very inconvenient time to pester me right as I’m getting
ready to slip into a deep sleep. I then either get up and write the scene or
the paragraph or whatever it is that needs to be gotten down and then I go back
to sleep.
Where do I get my story ideas?
Do you really want the answer to
that? LOL! In all seriousness it depends. Sometimes and idea is sparked from a
conversation, or a television program, or just walking past a person. Other
times, if I’m in a place (city) that will inspire a character or an idea I feel
will be strong enough to carry a story.
Do you Storyboard?
I shouldn’t admit this but the
answer is NO! I’m a type A personality in many ways lol. I have days that I
clean, do laundry, I have a set time I stop what I’m doing in order to start
dinner, or workout. In my real life I’m very, very organized. Now when it comes
to my writing I’m a hot unorganized mess! I’ve tried storyboarding, scene
plotting, outlining, you name it I’ve tried it. I have a box full of pretty
markers, colored sticky notes, poster boards, cork boards, enough to start my
own stationary store and I use none of it! Crazy I know but the way I do it is
I have the beginning, the middle and the end in my head and then I write the
scenes as they come to me and then I quilt the whole thing together to form a
story.
What genre’s do I write?
I am currently published in the
Contemporary and Historical genre’s yet I’ve written a quirky paranormal and a
dark suspense. I believe in writing the story that’s burning inside you, plenty
of authors cross genre’s it’s all in how you brand yourself if you’re going to
enjoy success within different genres.
quiz me the other day about my writing process and other things, thought I’d go
ahead and do a kinda Q&A blog…please feel free to post questions and I’ll
do my best to answer…let’s have some fun!
So how do you get into the groove
to write?
Someone asked me that question
the other day and I can honestly say I didn’t have a ready answer for them. In
truth, I don’t write unless I have a scene to tell, or my characters are
yammering at me. Thankfully, this never seems to be an issue, as my characters
normally choose the very inconvenient time to pester me right as I’m getting
ready to slip into a deep sleep. I then either get up and write the scene or
the paragraph or whatever it is that needs to be gotten down and then I go back
to sleep.
Where do I get my story ideas?
Do you really want the answer to
that? LOL! In all seriousness it depends. Sometimes and idea is sparked from a
conversation, or a television program, or just walking past a person. Other
times, if I’m in a place (city) that will inspire a character or an idea I feel
will be strong enough to carry a story.
Do you Storyboard?
I shouldn’t admit this but the
answer is NO! I’m a type A personality in many ways lol. I have days that I
clean, do laundry, I have a set time I stop what I’m doing in order to start
dinner, or workout. In my real life I’m very, very organized. Now when it comes
to my writing I’m a hot unorganized mess! I’ve tried storyboarding, scene
plotting, outlining, you name it I’ve tried it. I have a box full of pretty
markers, colored sticky notes, poster boards, cork boards, enough to start my
own stationary store and I use none of it! Crazy I know but the way I do it is
I have the beginning, the middle and the end in my head and then I write the
scenes as they come to me and then I quilt the whole thing together to form a
story.
What genre’s do I write?
I am currently published in the
Contemporary and Historical genre’s yet I’ve written a quirky paranormal and a
dark suspense. I believe in writing the story that’s burning inside you, plenty
of authors cross genre’s it’s all in how you brand yourself if you’re going to
enjoy success within different genres.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
A new Life!
Well, I'm back!
It's been several years since I've written anything, blog about anything and bothered to seek publication for anything. It's been a long journey but I'm back and with great news! I have a new story out, The Trouble with French Kisses! It's available on Smashword and Amazon Kindle. It's a contemporary romance, set in Paris. My inspiration for this story comes from an old law that still remains on the books, stating it's illegal to kiss on train platforms throughout France!
Here's a small excerpt...
Paris,
France
Who would have guessed the country
famous for its romantic city of Paris had a law regarding kissing on the public
railways? Or, that said law would be enforced? It amazed Hannah that a country with
a kiss named after it would actually arrest people for sharing one. Unbelievable.
She looked over at Damien and tried
to find some humor in the situation they were currently in. No matter how she
contemplated the circumstances, she failed to find any hilarity in her current
predicament.
Now, sitting in a police station,
waiting to pay a fine for public displays of affection was not funny. At least not yet, but that could change…or not. The
expression ‘you’ll laugh about this later’ tripped through her mind, yet Hannah
was pretty sure that wouldn’t be the case any time soon.
Closing her eyes, she leaned her head against the wall then quickly changed her mind about letting her head rest
against the dirty surface. What she really wanted to do was lean into Damien
and cuddle, but she was afraid instead of simply paying a fine, she’d be thrown
into jail for doing more than kissing. She couldn’t seem to keep her hands off
the man. That was disconcerting, to say the least. The very idea of spending
the night in jail, or worse, having to go through the legal system in France,
sent a visible chill through her body.
Damien looked over and clasped her hand.
“No worries, ma cherie.” He brought
their joined hands to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss to her the pulse point
on her inner wrist. The simple touch and his velvety voice stilled some of the
unrest racing through her body, but only just barely because reality set in
once again. “Next time I have to go away, I’ll say goodbye to you at home. That
way I can kiss you until you are melting in my arms.”
Hannah felt her eyes widen before she moaned
and let her head fall back against the wall. The man was going to be the death
of her yet. But what a way to go!
Interested in reading more...
http://www.amazon.com/Trouble-French-Kisses-ebook/dp/B0076QK6XC/ref=sr_1_9?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328729473&sr=1-9
It's been several years since I've written anything, blog about anything and bothered to seek publication for anything. It's been a long journey but I'm back and with great news! I have a new story out, The Trouble with French Kisses! It's available on Smashword and Amazon Kindle. It's a contemporary romance, set in Paris. My inspiration for this story comes from an old law that still remains on the books, stating it's illegal to kiss on train platforms throughout France!
Here's a small excerpt...
Paris,
France
Who would have guessed the country
famous for its romantic city of Paris had a law regarding kissing on the public
railways? Or, that said law would be enforced? It amazed Hannah that a country with
a kiss named after it would actually arrest people for sharing one. Unbelievable.
She looked over at Damien and tried
to find some humor in the situation they were currently in. No matter how she
contemplated the circumstances, she failed to find any hilarity in her current
predicament.
Now, sitting in a police station,
waiting to pay a fine for public displays of affection was not funny. At least not yet, but that could change…or not. The
expression ‘you’ll laugh about this later’ tripped through her mind, yet Hannah
was pretty sure that wouldn’t be the case any time soon.
Closing her eyes, she leaned her head against the wall then quickly changed her mind about letting her head rest
against the dirty surface. What she really wanted to do was lean into Damien
and cuddle, but she was afraid instead of simply paying a fine, she’d be thrown
into jail for doing more than kissing. She couldn’t seem to keep her hands off
the man. That was disconcerting, to say the least. The very idea of spending
the night in jail, or worse, having to go through the legal system in France,
sent a visible chill through her body.
Damien looked over and clasped her hand.
“No worries, ma cherie.” He brought
their joined hands to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss to her the pulse point
on her inner wrist. The simple touch and his velvety voice stilled some of the
unrest racing through her body, but only just barely because reality set in
once again. “Next time I have to go away, I’ll say goodbye to you at home. That
way I can kiss you until you are melting in my arms.”
Hannah felt her eyes widen before she moaned
and let her head fall back against the wall. The man was going to be the death
of her yet. But what a way to go!
Interested in reading more...
http://www.amazon.com/Trouble-French-Kisses-ebook/dp/B0076QK6XC/ref=sr_1_9?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1328729473&sr=1-9
Sunday, August 9, 2009
The Ultimate Betrayal
I recently received news of the “not good variety.” Now, for many at first glance, or “hear” it will sound like nothing but bitter beans being planted…au contraire my friend. What first looks like bitter beans is actually quite a bit more. Such as making a budding and up and coming writer (okay yeah it ‘s me) question whether or not she really has the talent to get herself to the “BIG TIME, or in this case NYC BABY! For those of you not familiar with writing…this is a big deal for a writer, the ultimate in “making it, “ which is being offered the coveted NYC publishing house contract. To the uninitiated, the industry is best described as a very frantic and random game of musical chairs. The players, in this case authors, are all circling the contract. Only one will be the winner…who will that be??? OH NO! The pressure!!!! So you can imagine how hard the industry is, how competitive and how high the stakes. So do you really think you need to have to worry about a knife being firmly pressed into your back, blindsided by news that your idea has made it to the big time without you???
Picture it, a conference call between three friends with shared interests collaborating on an anthology. Author 1 has little interest in the first idea brought to the table, insisting that she is incapable of penning a paranormal erotic tale of interest. Author 2, and 3 are left floundering thinking that the first idea author 2 had come up with, would be good enough to pique the interest of author 1, and more importantly, and editor. Oh I should mention that Author 2 has finally netted herself the ultimate in NYC contracts and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I love author 2 we share a brain, and a love of rum and so much more…so I can truly be happy when someone “gets the call” but I digress. Author 3 (let’s call her Kristi…yeah that’s me) frantically googles an idea for a vehicle for hottie French men—did I mention this was the concept that we all three loved? No, okay, keep this in mind for it plays a key role in the upcoming problem. Oh and I should mention, anything set in France…mega hard sell to begin with…no seriously ask around…really, really hard. Anyhow where was I??? Oh that’s right….Suddenly, like a bolt of lightning from the blue, inspiration strikes, what could be hotter or sexier then stories built around French Fairy Tales??? Well, the obvious answer is nothing…nothing could be hotter…so the birth of Cinderfella, Chloe and the Beast and Sleeping Beau is born.
Well, due to awesome author 2 getting a chance at the big time in a big way author 1 and 3 decide to leave author 2 to create and work her magic…which pays off handsomely btw…with the understanding that we would all work on our novella’s write three rocking shorties that could be combined into the mother of all anthologies to be printed by NYC. Well, at least that’s what author 2 and 3 thought was happening. Turns out author 1 was just a tad more diabolical then the first two authors imagined. Way more diabolical.
Anyhow back to the problem. The three of us thought that this collaboration would be our breakout effort…three friends with a common interest reaching our goals at the same time what could be sweeter? Yes, author 3 lives in the world of perpetual hope and good cheer, never thinking anything bad would happen between friends, can you say error in judgment? Unbeknownst to author 2 and 3…okay author 3 had been given a slight heads up on author 1’s intention…never thinking in a million years, she was really going to run with the idea. Everything turns to warmer climes in a hand-basket. While author 2 works on her brilliant idea, something very dark and scary this way comes as it were…
Flash forward a few months and the “not good news” comes. Author 1 has taken the idea to an agent, owning it as her own and ***gasp***sells to the publisher author 3 had been hoping against hope to intrigue with the idea. Yeah, author 1 has stolen an idea sold it to NYC and is taking all the credit. Now tell me that just doesn’t stink???
Yeah, you can’t can you.
So what’s a writer to do. I mean it’s great to know that I had an idea hot enough that it could actually get into NYC. I won’t lie…very nice right? You’d think so but really…it’s not that great. One of my ideas is now in NYC without me. How do you get around something like that? How do you put that kind of thing behind you? My answer is to blog, vent it out and move on, hope that karma makes things right and that when I finally sell, which I will, I can’t believe otherwise, I will outsell this wannabe, idea stealing hack. Yeah, I know…not a very nice thought, but I really haven’t moved to the acceptance stage of this process. I’m hoping that this blog does that for me. Afterall I’m a writer and I express myself through my words and they’ve never let me down before. And if that doesn’t work…there is always Captain Morgan. Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum! I’ve always wanted to be a pirate wench!
Picture it, a conference call between three friends with shared interests collaborating on an anthology. Author 1 has little interest in the first idea brought to the table, insisting that she is incapable of penning a paranormal erotic tale of interest. Author 2, and 3 are left floundering thinking that the first idea author 2 had come up with, would be good enough to pique the interest of author 1, and more importantly, and editor. Oh I should mention that Author 2 has finally netted herself the ultimate in NYC contracts and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I love author 2 we share a brain, and a love of rum and so much more…so I can truly be happy when someone “gets the call” but I digress. Author 3 (let’s call her Kristi…yeah that’s me) frantically googles an idea for a vehicle for hottie French men—did I mention this was the concept that we all three loved? No, okay, keep this in mind for it plays a key role in the upcoming problem. Oh and I should mention, anything set in France…mega hard sell to begin with…no seriously ask around…really, really hard. Anyhow where was I??? Oh that’s right….Suddenly, like a bolt of lightning from the blue, inspiration strikes, what could be hotter or sexier then stories built around French Fairy Tales??? Well, the obvious answer is nothing…nothing could be hotter…so the birth of Cinderfella, Chloe and the Beast and Sleeping Beau is born.
Well, due to awesome author 2 getting a chance at the big time in a big way author 1 and 3 decide to leave author 2 to create and work her magic…which pays off handsomely btw…with the understanding that we would all work on our novella’s write three rocking shorties that could be combined into the mother of all anthologies to be printed by NYC. Well, at least that’s what author 2 and 3 thought was happening. Turns out author 1 was just a tad more diabolical then the first two authors imagined. Way more diabolical.
Anyhow back to the problem. The three of us thought that this collaboration would be our breakout effort…three friends with a common interest reaching our goals at the same time what could be sweeter? Yes, author 3 lives in the world of perpetual hope and good cheer, never thinking anything bad would happen between friends, can you say error in judgment? Unbeknownst to author 2 and 3…okay author 3 had been given a slight heads up on author 1’s intention…never thinking in a million years, she was really going to run with the idea. Everything turns to warmer climes in a hand-basket. While author 2 works on her brilliant idea, something very dark and scary this way comes as it were…
Flash forward a few months and the “not good news” comes. Author 1 has taken the idea to an agent, owning it as her own and ***gasp***sells to the publisher author 3 had been hoping against hope to intrigue with the idea. Yeah, author 1 has stolen an idea sold it to NYC and is taking all the credit. Now tell me that just doesn’t stink???
Yeah, you can’t can you.
So what’s a writer to do. I mean it’s great to know that I had an idea hot enough that it could actually get into NYC. I won’t lie…very nice right? You’d think so but really…it’s not that great. One of my ideas is now in NYC without me. How do you get around something like that? How do you put that kind of thing behind you? My answer is to blog, vent it out and move on, hope that karma makes things right and that when I finally sell, which I will, I can’t believe otherwise, I will outsell this wannabe, idea stealing hack. Yeah, I know…not a very nice thought, but I really haven’t moved to the acceptance stage of this process. I’m hoping that this blog does that for me. Afterall I’m a writer and I express myself through my words and they’ve never let me down before. And if that doesn’t work…there is always Captain Morgan. Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum! I’ve always wanted to be a pirate wench!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Review for Dance of Love
I receieved my first review for my novella Dance of Love. Thank you so much Ecataromance!
Review, Dance of Love by Kristi Ahlers
A charming tale of lost love and second chances, Kristi Ahlers pens a heartwarming tale of lovers separated by duty, though neither has forgotten the other.A chance to dance as the Prima Ballerina has brought Adrianna Sinclair back from Paris to London. Leaving behind her friends, she embarks on a thrilling dream come true. Reuniting with her lost love is not in her plans, but destiny brings Christian back into her life.
Christian Tremont, the Duke of Aimsworth was bound by duty to marry another. Though he has never forgotten the lovely woman who captured his heart, they are from different worlds. Can he win back the woman who has haunted his dreams for so many years?
A richly depicted sense of time and place allows the reader to step right onto the stage of the theatre. The chemistry between the lovers is strained and the dialogue is a little awkward at times, but overall Dance of Love was a nice little tale to while away a few minutes.
A charming tale of lost love and second chances, Kristi Ahlers pens a heartwarming tale of lovers separated by duty, though neither has forgotten the other.A chance to dance as the Prima Ballerina has brought Adrianna Sinclair back from Paris to London. Leaving behind her friends, she embarks on a thrilling dream come true. Reuniting with her lost love is not in her plans, but destiny brings Christian back into her life.
Christian Tremont, the Duke of Aimsworth was bound by duty to marry another. Though he has never forgotten the lovely woman who captured his heart, they are from different worlds. Can he win back the woman who has haunted his dreams for so many years?
A richly depicted sense of time and place allows the reader to step right onto the stage of the theatre. The chemistry between the lovers is strained and the dialogue is a little awkward at times, but overall Dance of Love was a nice little tale to while away a few minutes.
Dance of Love
Hello All,
Yes, it's been a long while since I've posted a blog. Remember, I warned that I'd be horrid at this particular thing. **SIGH**
However since my last post a great deal has happened in my life. My husband returned safely from his deployment to Iraq, I sold my historic romance The Masquerade to Champagne Books and I've had a new release come out this past month.
My novella Dance of Love is available with The Dark Castle Lords. Please check out excerpt at http://www.thedarkcastlelords.com/dance-of-love.htm
I will also have another novella included in a print anthology that will be releasing soon with Highland Press Books. Please check back for details. WISHES in APRIL is a Regency romance, my first ever and I'm rather excited about this story. I will post an except soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)